COACH Dean Bailey says Brent Moloney is not a definite starter for Sunday’s inaugural clash against Gold Coast Suns at the Gabba.
Although Bailey did not rule out Moloney from playing in round four, he indicated a decision would be made by the match committee later in the week.
“He’ll certainly be available for selection,” he said.
“Whether we select him or not, is another thing, but he’ll certainly be available.”
What is certain, according to Bailey, is that Moloney will be heavily scrutinised in the immediate future.
“His behaviour and actions will be closely monitored - let me tell you,” he said.
“This is something we’ll all have eyes on - and he’ll be under the microscope.
“There will be no easy way back - he’s got to earn the right to get back, because we have not allowed the situation to occur before and it will not happen again.
“Brent won’t put himself in that situation again. So we’re very, very strong - and if he’s going to remain a Melbourne player - and I want him to be - his behaviours and actions will speak louder than anything.”
But Bailey was also fully supportive of Moloney and said the club would be doing its utmost to help the popular Demon.
“It is a difficult situation for Brent … I think it takes a great deal of courage to stand in front of people and suggest that he has an alcohol binge-drinking situation. I’m sure he’ll seek advice to remedy that concern that he has,” he said.
“He’s a player who’s worked his arse off in the last two or three years to get to where he has and what’s been taken away from him is a significant thing.
“I know he’ll work incredibly hard to regain the trust of his teammates and also to resurrect his position with the Melbourne Football Club. I’m sure that he’ll put his best foot forward … this might be the making of a better player.”
Although Bailey did not rule out Moloney from playing in round four, he indicated a decision would be made by the match committee later in the week.
“He’ll certainly be available for selection,” he said.
“Whether we select him or not, is another thing, but he’ll certainly be available.”
What is certain, according to Bailey, is that Moloney will be heavily scrutinised in the immediate future.
“His behaviour and actions will be closely monitored - let me tell you,” he said.
“This is something we’ll all have eyes on - and he’ll be under the microscope.
“There will be no easy way back - he’s got to earn the right to get back, because we have not allowed the situation to occur before and it will not happen again.
“Brent won’t put himself in that situation again. So we’re very, very strong - and if he’s going to remain a Melbourne player - and I want him to be - his behaviours and actions will speak louder than anything.”
But Bailey was also fully supportive of Moloney and said the club would be doing its utmost to help the popular Demon.
“It is a difficult situation for Brent … I think it takes a great deal of courage to stand in front of people and suggest that he has an alcohol binge-drinking situation. I’m sure he’ll seek advice to remedy that concern that he has,” he said.
“He’s a player who’s worked his arse off in the last two or three years to get to where he has and what’s been taken away from him is a significant thing.
“I know he’ll work incredibly hard to regain the trust of his teammates and also to resurrect his position with the Melbourne Football Club. I’m sure that he’ll put his best foot forward … this might be the making of a better player.”
